Top 11 Things to do in Richmond, Virginia

Looking for a taste of Southern living? Search no further than Richmond, VA. Whether you are heading out for business or pleasure, let Expedia help you in making your trip meet all of your expectations. There are plenty of things to do in Richmond. Start planning now and don't miss out on the excitement as you discover top attractions in Richmond.

…

Map out your must see places and get ready for the trip of a lifetime.

If you come to Richmond, expect to take a walk back in history. Your Richmond tours should definitely include some of the tourist favorites like the Ford's Theatre and the Edgar Allen Poe Museum. Still looking for a blast from the past? Your Richmond excursions should include the Battle of Cold Harbor and the Museum of the Confederacy. The local residents will insist the best Richmond activities will recognize a heritage that is connected to the glory days of the Deep South.

Other Virginia hot spots include the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden to delve in veritable, growing delights. Downtown Richmond will provide you with plenty of opportunities to shop, wine, and dine. Be sure to stop by Old City Hall, the Valentine Richmond History Center, and the Virginia State Capital to see fine examples of architecture. If you're looking for an outdoor adventure, Belle Isle is the perfect place for a picnic by the James River. Take in the sights and enjoy the day as you bask on the rocks and listen to the relaxing rhythm of the water lapping against the shore.

Need a place to stay? At Expedia.com, we'll help you in finding excellence when it comes to accommodations. Make your reservations at the Jefferson Hotel or the Berkeley Hotel. Find yourself in the heart of the action at the Hilton Garden Inn in Downtown Richmond. We can help you find the best deals as you book your flight to RVA. Make the connections for rental cars as well. Everything you need is at your fingertips when it comes to arranging your travel plans and itinerary to Richmond. Enjoy your trip!

Taste a variety of delicious food samples from 6 different restaurants, cafés, and shops as you tour the revitalized Arts District. Learn the culinary secrets behind these tasty treats from the chefs and owners of the local establishments you visit... while hopping from one spot to the next.

Meet your guide outside of the Lift Coffee Shop to start your tour with a panini and a handcrafted beverage. Begin your walk through the Arts District as you learn about the recent measures taken to improve the culturally rich Jackson and Monroe Wards. Head to J Kogi, a Korean street food spot, visit Lucca Enoteca, a Mediterranean restaurant specializing in coal-fired pizzas, and check out Tarrant's Café for a classic plate of shrimp in grits at a historic pharmacy building on Broad Street.

Your food tour takes you past intriguing art galleries and allows you to try everything from southern cuisine at Mama J's to specialty baked goods at Pop's Market. With an informative guide leading the way, learn about the history of Richmond as your palate becomes acquainted with the different flavors of this Southern city.
Read More
close

Stroll through the eclectic streets of Carytown on this guided food tour for tastings at 5 or 6 different restaurants and cafés. Learn about this vibrant neighborhood as you pop into eateries housed in historic buildings to sample plates like... fresh seafood, locally loved tacos, and famous Virginia peanuts.

Meet your guide outside of Carytown Cupcakes, where you can bite into classics like red velvet or more creative flavors like beer and pretzels from the ever-rotating menu at this charming bakery. As you head to your next destination, listen as your guide explains why this district is known as The Mile of Style, pointing out the East Coast's oldest outdoor shopping center. Stops and dishes vary on each tour, but you might snag a seat at the raw bar of East Coast Provisions to down lightly fried oysters, see where locals dine at neighborhood hotspot Xtra’s Café, or satisfy your inner health nut with a quinoa-based bowl at Goatocado, a pop-up restaurant inside of a bicycle shop.

You could savor some signature crab cakes at C Street, chow down on innovative street tacos at Don't Look Back, or delight in a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich at Home Sweet Home. Sample the Super Extra Large peanuts at the Virginia Diner, discover the bright flavors of Armenian cuisine at Coriander, or relax on the patio at 10 Italian Café with a warm panini on homemade focaccia. End the tour with an indulgent sweet treat, like a buttery French pastry at Jean Jacques Bakery.
Read More
close

Step back in time as you enter Colonial Williamsburg, encompassing more than 300 acres (121 ha). Historic reenactments by costumed actors play out in the streets as you pass colonial city sites, visit 22 trade shops, and explore 18th-century homes... and gardens.

At Colonial Williamsburg admire original 18th-century structures, plus hundreds of houses, shops, and public buildings rebuilt on their original foundations. With your choice of a 1-day or multi-day pass, watch blacksmiths, printers, and milliners use methods from the 18th century as you learn about Colonial life on your own or on one of the many guided tours.

See what it was like to live in the stunning Governor's Palace, the mansion where 7 British governors lived during Colonial times, followed by Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson. Then pass laws at the Capitol Building. At the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum and The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, explore the collections and get a glimpse of life as a silversmith, blacksmith, tailor, and wigmaker in the 1700s.

On your journey through history, you have access to the shuttle service in Colonial Williamsburg. Kids may enjoy RevQuest: The King’s Advance, an interactive game that places you back in time—1781 when the British Army was advancing toward Virginia. If you like, top off your day with a performance of the Fife and Drum Corps, buy a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants, or take in an evening event.
Read More
close

Experience Prince William and Manassas, just 30 miles (48 km) outside of D. C. , with the Family Adventure Pass. Get access to super-soaking fun at Splashdown Waterpark, sky-high limits on the trampolines at Rebounderz Manassas, and an interactive adventure... at Laser Tag Manassas.

Challenge your family to a game of basketball slam or see how high you can fly in the open play area on the trampoline at Rebounderz Manassas. Relax on the lazy river or dare to take the plunge down one Cannon Ball slides at Splashdown, Northern Virgina's largest waterpark. Then, gear up for an exhilarating, live-action laser game played in a 5,000-square-foot (464-sq-m) themed arena filled with swirling fog, glowing pillars, and maze-like passageways illuminated black lights and strobes. \t

With your Family Adventure Pass, you also have access to discounts on fascinating local historic tours, admission to museums like the National Museum of the Marine Corps, fabulous shopping perks at Potomac Mills, and memorable dining opportunities in historic downtown Manassas. You might choose to take advantage of these special savings with a cruise on the Potomac, a show at the Hylton Performing Arts Center, a lunch break at the Blue Arbor Café, or happy hour at Okra's Cajun Creole.
Read More
close

Visit Norfolk’s most amazing attractions and museums with the Passport to Fun and experience the city at your own pace. From the Battleship Wisconsin and the Naval Museum to the Virginia Zoo and botanical gardens, there's something in Norfolk for... everyone.

Grab your camera and your walking shoes and immerse yourself in coastal Norfolk, Virginia. Craft your own itinerary over as many days as you'd like to visit locations like the 150-acre (60-ha) Norfolk Botanical Garden and great regional museums. Plus, you can enjoy special discounts at local retailers and other great activities in town like food tours and harbor cruises.

Enjoy convenient private transportation between Richmond International Airport (RIC) and your hotel in the comfort of a minivan. For transfers to and from Richmond International Airport, the zones to select from include:

Zone 1Select this option for hotels in Zone 1. Available neighborhoods:- Richmond

Zone 2Select this option for hotels in Zone 2. Available neighborhoods:- Chester

Zone 3Select this option for hotels in Zone 3. Available neighborhoods:- Mechanicsville

Enjoy convenient private transportation between Richmond International Airport (RIC) and your hotel in the comfort of a standard car. For transfers to and from Richmond International Airport, the zones to select from include:

Zone 1Select this option for hotels in Zone 1. Available neighborhoods:- Richmond

Zone 2Select this option for hotels in Zone 2. Available neighborhoods:- Chester

Zone 3Select this option for hotels in Zone 3. Available neighborhoods:- Mechanicsville

Enjoy a relaxed journey in a high-quality SUV between the airport and your hotel. There’s no waiting in a taxi line, and guaranteed fixed rates include flight tracking, 1 hour of wait time, and all taxes, tolls, and tips. Prices... are based on rides within the Richmond metropolitan area.

For transfers to and from Richmond, the areas to select from include:

Richmond City CenterSelect this option for hotels located in the Richmond metropolitan area.
Read More
close

Enjoy convenient private transportation between Richmond International Airport and your hotel in the comfort of a SUV. For transfers to and from the Richmond International Airport, the areas to select from include:

Enjoy a relaxed journey in a high-quality towncar between the airport and your hotel. There’s no waiting in a taxi line, and guaranteed fixed rates include flight tracking, 1 hour of wait time, and all taxes, tolls, and tips. Prices... are based on rides within the Richmond metropolitan area.

For transfers to and from Richmond, the areas to select from include:

Richmond City CenterSelect this option for hotels located in the Richmond metropolitan area.
Read More
close

Enjoy convenient private transportation between Richmond International Airport and your hotel in the comfort of a towncar. For transfers to and from the Richmond International Airport, the areas to select from include: